Paramedic 2 (ALS/GROUND) - Duke Life Flight

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke Life Flight

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke Life Flight, which is Duke Health's critical care and emergency air and ground transport team, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems. The team includes paramedics, nurses, respiratory therapists, emergency medical technicians, and communications specialists who work quickly to provide compassionate care and transport services to critically ill patients of all ages. Duke Life Flight also maintains a Code Blue Response Team and helps support event medicine needs.

Paramedic II – Duke University Health System - Duke Life Flight

Duke University Health System’s Life Flight team supports over 20 critical care procedures independently. The patient population is 22-23 week gestation neonates to geriatric (all ages). In this department you work with interdisciplinary teams including, Basic Life Support EMT’s, single provider ALS Paramedic, Clinical Nurses, Respiratory Therapist (Neo/Peds team) and Critical Care Paramedics.

Work Hours & Shifts:
Full Time: Rotating shifts 7am-7pm and 7pm-7am
Location: Durham Base

Job Summary: 

The Paramedic II functions as an integral member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team providing direct patient care. The Paramedic performs a variety of activities across various practices settings and patient populations in accordance with the Paramedic scope of practice as defined by the North Carolina Medical Board and with the approval of the practice setting Medical Director.

Duties and Responsibilities of Paramedic II (Life Flight Advanced Life Support Paramedic)

• Responsible for providing direct patient care in accordance with the Paramedic scope of practice as defined by the North Carolina Medical Board under the medical oversight of the Medical Director of the practice setting where the individual will function.
• Assists clinical staff in the evaluation, treatment and care of patients. Obtains pertinent history and performs a physical examination. Performs technical procedures as delegated.
• Monitors patients and maintains records using patient monitoring system and electronic health records. Documents patients' status, delivery of care and evaluation of the patients' response to care according to specific procedures and established protocols.
• Documents and maintains an informative and accurate medical record to initiate charges for each patient treated.
• Communicates in a professional manner essential information to all appropriate members of the healthcare team to promote sharing of information throughout the continuum of care.
• Operates extensive medical and mechanical equipment in the hospital and transport environment. Ensures all medical equipment is functioning; restocks medical supplies as needed.
• Provides and maintains a safe and therapeutic environment for the patients, visitors, and staff. Properly disposes of and handles as applicable, sharps, soiled materials, and linens and disinfects area in accordance with policy and policy as applicable. Properly uses PPE when in contact with patients, soiled utility, hazardous materials in accordance with policy.
• Act as preceptor and support the development of other staff and formal learners.
• Participate in the identification of clinical or operational performance improvement opportunities and in performance improvement activities. Supports an environment of evidence-based practice/research/quality improvement initiatives
• Maintain certifications and clinical skills.
• Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
• Complete vehicle inspection and documentation each shift and complete a road test of assigned ambulance(s).
• Responsible for minor repairs to the unit to include but not limited to: changing light bulbs, replenishing fluids, tightening nuts and bolts, inspecting tires, etc. Responsible for daily maintenance including fueling and cleaning of vehicle. Responsible for reporting minor and major repair needs to the site specific Fleet Safety Coordinator, Clinical Team Lead, and/or Program Manager.
• Responsible for assisting with patient care as requested to include loading and unloading, operation of commonly used equipment and providing family members information/directions to Duke.
• Responsible for providing direct patient care on ALS I, ALS II or BLS transports, not to exceed beyond the scope of The Paramedic as defined by the NCOEMS and approved by local medical direction, and documenting in the electronic medical record.
• Responsible for replenishing oxygen and medical supplies used during transport.
• Demonstrates safe driving skills and ability to use technology to complete missions safely.
• Assist with continuing education outreach programs and public relations events as assigned.
• Provide staffing coverage to all bases as needed. Assist units within Duke University Hospital when necessary.

Education

High School Diploma Required

Associates Degree is preferred

Experience

One year ALS Paramedic experience required, preferred two to three years prehospital experience with a moderate call volume (>15,000 calls/year) 911 agency.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Current certification as a North Carolina Paramedic or have the ability to obtain certification in the State of North Carolina.
• Current trauma course preferred: PHTLS, BTLS or ITLS

• BLS, ACLS, and PALS, required.
• ITLS (or PHTLS) preferred upon hire. If not, will need to acquire within the first year.
• NRP required within 6 months of hire.
• North Carolina Emergency Vehicle Driver certification (EVOC) or comparable must be completed in 6 months of hire
• Current Class C driver's license from NC or other state
• Current three (3) year driving history absent of violations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and appropriate application Paramedic scope of practice
• Knowledge of professional theory, practice and procedure
• Ability to assess needs of acute and chronically ill patients and their families
• Ability to independently seek out resources and work collaboratively
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to communicate clearly with patients, families, visitors, healthcare team, physicians, administrators, leadership and others
• Ability to use sensory and cognitive functions to process and prioritize information, treatment, and follow-up
• Ability to use fine motor skills Ability to record activities, document assessments, plan of care, interventions, evaluation and re-evaluation of patient status
• Ability to use computer and learn new software programs
• Able to document and communicate pertinent information using computer and/or paper documentation tools Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking
• Ability to remain focused and organized Working knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine and special treatments to patients
• Working knowledge of infection control procedures and safety precautions
• Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing Required Must Speak English in good, understandable terms
• Participate in own professional development by maintaining required competencies, identifying learning needs and seeking appropriate assistance or educational offerings.
• Critical thinking and ability to concentrate
• Must be able to respond quickly to changes in patient and/or unit conditions
• Operating knowledge of ambulance/fire truck or vehicle equivalent to the Duke Life Flight ambulances
• Physical Requirements Work requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, stooping, bending, knelling, crouching/squatting, balancing, and pulling.
• Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking.
• Must be able to lift and support the weight up to 75 pounds in handling patients, medical equipment, and supplies.
• Intact sense of sight, hearing, smell, and touch.
• Finger dexterity. Bimanual Dexterity: Requiring the use of both hands.